Unexpected bumps might be in store for couples who fail to discuss financial expectations before marriage.

A critical step in having a great marriage is being able to balance relationship and financial issues. Determining how much financial freedom is acceptable for each person is important. Should she be allowed to splurge on the kids without checking with her husband first? Is it acceptable if he buys a new accessory for the car without having to first consult his wife?

Learning to change free-wheeling spending habits after joining into a marriage can leave one or both spouses feeling restricted. Entering into a marriage comes with many important financial decisions, for example, should the couple consolidate their banking into one joint bank account, or should they keep their individual account while still maintaining a joint account for shared spending and expenses? It can be helpful for each partner to agree to a predetermined discretionary spending limit. For instance, it might be decided that anything over $200 might need to be discussed with each other.

Whether or not a couple has a duel-income or has just one working spouse can further complicate the scenario. When one partner is staying home to raise children, he or she should have some discretionary money to spend freely in order to feel independent. Deciding on the amount is up to the couple.

Financial infidelities can come in many flavors, including hiding a purchase or getting cash back when making purchases and pocketing the change. Another way couples commit financial adultery is by fibbing about purchasing something and telling their spouse that they’ve had it all along.

Some couples feel that having a secret bank account or credit card is not only one of the worst financial scenarios but it might also be grounds for divorce.

Confessing spending or financial secrets can be liberating. Using an anonymous online website for revealing secrets and confessions can be a good first start. Getting to the bottom of why you are keeping the secret is a critical step in coming clean.

Not only can keeping a secret damage your marriage, it can affect your health. Revealing your secrets anonymously online can help you deal with your mistake without fear before you take the next step of revealing it to your spouse.